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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

futuretraineeihope

Valued Member
Premium Member
Nov 13, 2024
103
90
@Abbie Whitlock I am not sure if you would know the answer, but any advice would be great. I started a new legal role (and have now been there over a month) after submitting an application over a month ago, and it’s been really strengthening my experience. Do you think it would be appropriate to email graduate recruitment to update them on this, or could that come across negatively?
 
Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

panda1989

Active Member
Premium Member
Mar 1, 2025
10
6
Hi @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock! Could I please have some advice about how to structure an written exercise e.g. an email, as I have seen a lot about using headings and bullet points but I'm not too sure on the overall structure? Also if anyone has any resources to practice them!

I also wanted to know how I should go about preparing my commercial awareness. For example, I know about the annual budget but I don't really know how this impacts law firms. Alongside this, are there any key standout challenges effecting law firms/clients currently?

Would really appreciate any guidance!

Thank you :)
 
Reactions: Andrei Radu

Trophy

Legendary Member
Oct 29, 2025
245
355
how many pages should Kirkland's CV be? and do we put open days etc. on them?
A CV should always be max 2 pages.

It depends on the experience you have, I have had a few jobs therefore found putting open days on my CV was a waste of space and I could include this in the application somewhere. Lots of firms ask if you’ve attended open days/events as a question so double check this is not already being asked.
 

panda1989

Active Member
Premium Member
Mar 1, 2025
10
6
A CV should always be max 2 pages.

It depends on the experience you have, I have had a few jobs therefore found putting open days on my CV was a waste of space and I could include this in the application somewhere. Lots of firms ask if you’ve attended open days/events as a question so double check this is not already being asked.
Thank you for your response!!
I have had several jobs but its currently a page and a half - do you recommend I add a few more bullets to each job or should I pop on the open days on? or is it fine to leave as is (I don't know if its better to use the full 2 pages)?
 
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Reactions: Lord Sumption

GT1205H

Star Member
Premium Member
Aug 2, 2025
39
109
I haven’t updated you guys in a while (been trying to get over my S&M PFO) so I just wanted to share a quick update on where I’m currently at with my applications. Current status below:

-HSFK: Applied 26/10, passed the test benchmark and now waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-DLA Piper: Applied 06/10, test received 26/10, phone interview invite on 05/12. I had the interview today and have already received confirmation that I passed the benchmark, now waiting on next steps. 🤞🏼

-Bird & Bird: Applied 11/11, PFO received 04/12 without sitting a test.💀

-Reed Smith: Applied 06/11, test invite on 20/11, still waiting on an outcome.🤞🏼

-S&M: Applied 04/11, PFO received 12/12.💔🫩🥺

-Linklaters: Applied 01/09, scored 35/40 on WG, still waiting to hear back.🤞🏼

-Morrison Foerster: Applied 21/11, no response yet.🤞🏼

-Clyde & Co. Applied 17/11, no response yet.🤞🏼

- Older PFOs💀: Hogan Lovells and A&O Shearman

Trying to stay positive and patient through the waiting game. Wishing everyone else lots of luck with your applications too.🥰
 

TortillaTC

Legendary Member
May 10, 2025
245
254
I wonder how they are going to Select people for AC, it feels like if everyone received the second stage test, you probably need the most compatible sjt results plus extremely high Watson glasser
I don’t think everyone received the second stage test, I’d be logical for them to filter out maybe 50% of candidates based on the first test, since basically everyone that met the minimum academic criteria received the first test anyways. I did mine today so I’ll keep the forum updated on when/if I receive the second stage.
 

Bbhu19

Legendary Member
Oct 26, 2024
190
139
I don’t think everyone received the second stage test, I’d be logical for them to filter out maybe 50% of candidates based on the first test, since basically everyone that met the minimum academic criteria received the first test anyways. I did mine today so I’ll keep the forum updated on when/if I receive the second stage.
Oh ok I just felt like if a lot of people on this forum reached the second stage but in the grander scheme of things that’s maybe less than 100 people out of the thousands they need to look at
 

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